I've been tossing up for a while if i should do a members ride section of my new 1600. Mostly because its just going to be the same build as every 1600 owner does. Nothing that really spectacular. But i figure that the suggestions that i get from people can be invaluable.

Anyway, its a 72 1600, basically completely standard except for a 2L with twin 45mm Webers. Coupled with what i think is a close ratio 240K box. But i'm not sure. This is the second i've owned, and like every 1600 of this age, i've uncovered many surprises. My aim is to do this one properly. The one i owned previous to this was nice, but not how i wanted it. This is going to be done thoroughly (hopefully) and restored top to bottom.

I've owned it for a few months, and I have a handful of parts to go on it that i've collected throughout the years. But theses are some pics to start it off.

Well my aim is to have it done a little faster than that. Sure i know that money and things pop up. But i've made a really good start so far. Now all i really need is to find somewhere cheap to have the rust cut out and replaced.Not sure if i want to attempt it myself or not. In the mean time, i've been taking everything off. Cleaning it and storing it back away, so that when it comes time to put it all back together, it will all fit and I won't have that many hassles.

Yeah, i don't want to put a time limit on it and i haven't for the matter that i want it done right. But i'd like a goal of having it done by end of the year. But the reality is that it WILL take a lot longer than that.But i guess you're right. I have a checklist of what i need to have happen and in what order. That will make for smooth sailing (I hope), and to make a goal for each week. That would make it happen faster too. Sort of what i'm doing now. Plotting away at it bit by bit. Unfortunately i can only go as fast as my money will let me and as quick as i can get 1 part completed over another. But i'll try and do most of it myself.We'll see how far i can get myself before i land into some serious trouble.

Had to make some handles. Car didn't have any. Also did the same polishing with the Window wiper motor. Came up a treat!

Thanks mate, Took a little time, Plan on doing some more, hopefully take a few shots of the rest of the parts when i finish them.

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so what colour will it be? gonna stay with black?

I do like the black paint job thats on it atm. But its in very poor condition, and since i've started spraying everything around it, the over spray (and the fact that when they originally sprayed it, they just sprayed over the original colour, now flaking off) renders it to be painted again. Thats the stage i'm trying to get it to now. Paint stage. which is nearly there. In terms of colour, I'm almost sold on one of 3. Black. Blue. or Red. Just don't want Green or White (already owned a green 1600, and Green RX subie, and all other cars in the family are white, Nothing against white, but i just don't want another one, so i ruled them out).

The varieties, little different. I like WRX blue. But that is really common on 16's these days. But i'm also leaning towards a Burgundy sort of Liberty red. But i've been looking through heaps of photo's and haven't quite found the colour that just jumps out at me, therefore i infer i haven't found the right colour yet. So i'm still looking!

IMHO if you go to a shop and get the old "if you want to go black everything has to be perfect and straight" talk walk straight out and go somewhere else. Does not matter what colour you paint a car the prep and straightness of the panels should be the same if it is black,pink,purple or baby sh*t brown. Everything should be as perfect as possible before paint. The only issue with black the final buff. You need a really switched in guy to buff it up without showing swirls. Also a black car can be a pain to keep looking clean.

I've had the pleasure of being involved with alot of Hot Rod panel prep and other muscle cars. The number 1 rule is if you think something is not right or think you see something in the prep stage start the panel prep again otherwise 99% of the time it is there and sticks out like a sore thumb when painted. The art of a good paint is not so much the paint it self the prep and time is where it's at and where it costs you if you can't do it yourself.

Yeah, i've got a few mates who have painted their cars. A friends Dad who own's a panel beating supply company. And a few other people, and all have said the same thing. Including all the research i've looked into. 80-90% of the work is in the prep work and as long as that is in perfect condition, spraying will be relatively easy. I'll give it a go, but in no means am i up to paint stage yet. Thats still a fair way off.

I mean, its painted black at the moment and it looks good. The chrome work is fine on it, few bumps and dents here and there. But it's more than passable. Only issue i spoke about before was that they just painted over the existing paint work. Didn't rub it back at all. its starting to flake off, and it just looks "Gluggy" so it will need a respray, so might as well be now and do the colour that i want.

Looking at seat options currently. Haven't bought anything yet.In my old 1600 i had RX7 series 6 seats, they were pretty nice, but don't want the same again. Also looking at WRX seats, and those ones that you pick up at Autobarn and places like that. Has anyone had any experience with those seats?I sat in one pair of the autobarn ones (think they were Monza SP24's) today, and they were pretty comfy, hugged where you sat, but had next to no shoulder support, and were pretty stiff in the lumbar felt like it would hurt your back unless the middle of the seat was unpicked and bent the metal arms back a little bit to make them curve more (which is an option i considered). Not looking to spend heaps, but wondering what other people have put in their cars to get some idea's. Don't really want to spend over $400.

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